Privacy Statement

1. Introduction

IST Publications is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of its authors, reviewers, editors, and readers. This Privacy Statement explains how personal data is collected, used, stored, and protected during the journal's editorial and publishing activities.

2. Collection of Personal Information

IST Publications collects personal information such as names, email addresses, institutional affiliations, contact details, and other relevant identifiers primarily through the journal's online submission and peer-review system. Personal information may also be collected through direct communication with authors, reviewers, and editors, or when users register on the journal website or subscribe to journal notifications and announcements.

3. Use of Personal Information

Personal information is used solely for legitimate journal operations, including manuscript submission, peer review, editorial decision-making, publication, indexing, archiving, and communication with contributors and readers. IST Publications does not sell, rent, or trade personal information and does not disclose personal data to third parties except where required by law or with the explicit consent of the individual concerned.

4. Protection of Personal Information

IST Publications implements reasonable administrative and technical measures to safeguard personal information against unauthorised access, loss, misuse, alteration, or disclosure. These measures include controlled access to journal systems and the use of secure platforms consistent with standard scholarly publishing practices. While all reasonable efforts are made to protect personal data, absolute security cannot be guaranteed.

5. Retention of Personal Information

Personal information is retained only for as long as necessary to support editorial processes, publication records, and legal or administrative requirements. When personal data is no longer required for these purposes, it is securely deleted or anonymised in accordance with applicable policies.

6. Rights of Individuals

Individuals have the right to access, update, or correct their personal information held by the journal. Registered users may manage their personal details through their user accounts on the journal website. Requests relating to personal data may also be submitted to the journal administration and will be addressed within a reasonable timeframe.

7. Policy Updates

IST Publications may revise this Privacy Statement periodically to reflect changes in legal requirements, publishing practices, or operational procedures. Updated versions will be published on the journal website, and continued use of the site implies acceptance of the revised policy.

8. Contact Information

For questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Statement or the handling of personal information, please contact: editor@istpublications.com